Health Practices and Longevity: A Study of the Elderly in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Health practices are patterns of behavioural choices made by an individual from the alternatives that are available according to their socio-economic status. The UNDESA report gives the life expectancy for Nigerians to be below 54 years. We re-examine the 2015 UNDESA report vis-a-vis the health practices of the Elderly in Nigeria using Akwa Ibom State as reference. The study adopted descriptive survey design and using the multistage sampling technique purposively identify and included men and women aged 65 and above. A total of 24 local government areas were covered in this study and a sample size of 384 respondents were selected using the Bill Godden formula for infinite population. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics The findings showed that 39 percent of the respondents were between 70-74 years. From the correlation matrix, there was a significant relationship between Nutrition and food intake and longevity. Improvement in the socio–economic status of the elderly by regular payment of their pension; as well as increased attention to their health by relevant individuals and groups among other measures that will further promote their longevity are strongly recommended.